Davao City, philippines, has established a new sister city agreement with Dalian, a major port city in the People’s Republic of China. This partnership is ⁣part of a broader effort by the city to strengthen international ties and foster economic growth.

According to Maria Lourdes D. Zozobrado, head of the⁤ Davao city Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), Dalian is one of ⁣three new sister city agreements currently in progress. The city is also actively exploring⁢ partnerships in Australia, South Korea, Japan, and Russia. A renewal of its long-standing relationship with Seattle, USA, is also under ⁣consideration.

Zozobrado emphasized the importance of tangible benefits from these partnerships.”We’re pursuing these opportunities,but not all will be approved.⁤ Each sister city relationship must deliver concrete results for dabawenyos,” she stated.

Sister City Network Growth

The announcement follows a strong showing of support⁢ from existing sister cities during last month’s Kadayawan Festival, with many sending delegations.⁣ This, Zozobrado noted, demonstrates active engagement and collaboration.

As of September 29, 2023, Davao city maintains nine local and eight international sister city ⁣agreements. ⁣ the current list⁤ includes:

• local Sister Cities: Angeles, Marikina, Quezon⁤ City, Bacoor, and Liloan.
• International Sister Cities: Nanning⁤ and Jinjiang (China), Kitakyushu (Japan), bitung and Manado (Indonesia), Tacoma and Kaua’i (USA).

Sister City International defines these agreements as long-term collaborative efforts between⁣ communities in different ⁢countries, typically focused on areas such ⁣as education, buisness, tourism, and cultural exchange. Sister City International serves as the official organization supporting these relationships.

Economic and Cultural Benefits

zozobrado believes the partnership with Dalian represents a important ⁢step towards unlocking economic opportunities and promoting cultural understanding for Davao ‍City. Dalian, a major port and industrial hub in Liaoning Province, ⁣China, offers potential for trade, ‍investment, ⁢and tourism.

davao City’s existing sister⁤ city relationships have already ‍yielded positive outcomes.Such as, the partnership with Kitakyushu, Japan, has facilitated knowledge exchange ⁢in⁤ areas like waste management and environmental sustainability. Davao city Government ⁢News reported on this collaboration in 2023.